Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy input and advice is provided by the Children and Young People’s Physiotherapy team, which is a team of Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Assistants that work to enable children with neurological and developmental conditions to reach their full potential for movement. Paula Johnson is the named Physiotherapist for the school and is closely supported by (awaiting information) Physiotherapy Assistant. They are not based full time in school; however visit school usually on Wednesdays and Thursdays to provide input to the children and to support education staff. The Physiotherapist will also visit the child in their own home, often in the school holidays. This is to update the parents on the child’s current goals and aims of treatment and to review home equipment and address any new problems.

Messages can be sent to the Physiotherapy team via the home school book or you can contact them directly using the office or mobile number below:

The Physiotherapy team work in partnership with families, carers, education staff and other health colleagues to enable the child with developmental difficulties or physical disabilities to participate as fully as possible in family, school and wider social life. There are close links with the DSC (Disablement Service Centre), which provides specialist buggies and wheelchairs for those children that have mobility problems and other specialist equipment providers.

Paula and (....) are also involved in hydrotherapy sessions, providing positioning programmes for education staff, reviewing specialist equipment and working towards specific physical goals for their patients in treatment sessions. For many of the children with complex disabilities, the focus is on 24 hour postural management and supporting the education team in carefully positioning the child during the school day. This is important to maintain their muscle length, provide a change of position and to allow the children a range of different positions in order to access the educational curriculum.

Some children require specialist footwear or ankle splints. These are provided by an Orthotist called Steve Marr, who visits school periodically for clinics. Please notify Paula Johnson (Physiotherapist) if you feel your child needs their Orthotics reviewing.

Children can be referred into the Children and Young People’s Physiotherapy Service by a relevant Health Professional. Speak to the school nurse, GP or Paediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s movement abilities.